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Saturday, April 8, 2017

REVIEW: Missing by Kelley Armstrong

*Thanks to Netgalley for a review in exchange for a fair review*

Expected publication: April 18, 2017

The only thing Winter Crane likes about Reeve’s End is that soon she’ll leave it. Like her best friend did. Like her sister did. Like most of the teens born in town have done. There’s nothing for them there but abandoned mines and empty futures. They’re better off taking a chance elsewhere.

The only thing Winter will miss is the woods. Her only refuge. At least it was. Until the day she found Lennon left for dead, bleeding in a tree.

But now Lennon is gone too. And he has Winter questioning what she once thought was true. What if nobody left at all? What if they’re all missing?

Enter Lennon's brother, Jude. What follows is a thought provoking mystery/thriller that will have readers of any age on the edge of their seats.

I'm a huge fan of Armstrong's mystery writing and Missing doesn't disappoint. Targeting a teen audience, this novel will appeal to teen readers and more. The story is compelling and equally engaging. The mystery/thriller element makes this a page turner but there is appeal for romance readers as well as those who look for narratives delving into edgy issues such as identity, suicide and domestic abuse.

Winter is a strong female protagonist with clear ideals about how she'll escape Reeve's End. What I liked about her was her perspective and resilience--while still experiencing abuse at the hands of her father, she is by no means a victim. She does carry some guilt regarding her sister, but she learns that she can't be held accountable for that situation. I liked Jude as a character as well. Armstrong excels at developing realistic, complicated characters who are flawed and have to work through their own issues.

I was pleasantly surprised by the story's revelation. I hadn't quite pegged the villain and I think other readers will be surprised too.

Hey! It's me!

Introducing Library Linsey

Welcome to my Teen Library Resources blog. My name is Linsey and I've been working in public library service for 9 years, most recently as an assistant branch manager but also adult and youth services.

Within this blog you'll find reviews, program and display ideas, as well as other useful resources if you're working with teens in a library or educational setting.